Praxis 2

Mr. Sen is creating a lesson for his fourth-grade class around the geographic theme of human-environment interaction, which deals with the ways in which geographic locations influence the lives and choices of the people who live in them. Which of the following learning objectives best demonstrates Mr. Sen's understanding of the social studies concept of human-environment interaction?

• Students will be able to write an essay about the limitations geography placed on early explorers in the Americas

• Students will be able to construct a table describing how different physical features of regions influence architecture and economic activities of residents

• Students will be able to create a cause-and-effect diagram describing the formation of different landforms

• Students will be able to describe patterns of immigration, emigration, and distribution of people in a particular region

A second-grade teacher is explaining how geographic events like earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions happen repeatedly in the same places. The teacher wants the students to associate these geographic events with changes that humans make in order to live near these places. Which of the following would best emphasize the theme of the lesson?

• Showing videos on the various causes of natural disasters around the world

• Looking at world maps showing where fault lines and lava domes are located

• Studying a chart graphing the frequency of geographic events in various places of the last ten years

• Looking at pictures of communities located near fault lines, coastal regions, and lava plateaus

Which of the following questions could the teacher ask to guide the student to correct the error in the chart created by a second-grade student that contains some incorrect information?

• Are new toys a daily need or a survival need?

• What kind of a new toy did you have in mind?

• Can you explain why you listed new toys as a need?

• Where would you rank this item on your list of needs?

Which of the following best describes the concept of cultural diffusion in social studies?

• A) The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another

• B) The isolation of a culture from outside influences

• C) The development of a new culture in a completely isolated environment

• D) The destruction of a culture due to external influences

What is the primary purpose of the United Nations?

• A) To promote international peace and security

• B) To regulate international trade

• C) To control global oil prices

• D) To enforce international sports regulations

Which economic system is characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods?

• A) Capitalism

• B) Socialism

• C) Communism

• D) Feudalism

What was the main cause of the American Civil War?

• A) Disagreements over tariffs

• B) The issue of slavery

• C) The election of Abraham Lincoln

• D) The expansion of the United States

Which of the following is a primary source for historical research?

• A) A diary from a soldier in World War II

• B) A textbook on World War II

• C) A documentary about World War II

• D) A novel set during World War II

What is the significance of the Magna Carta in history?

• A) It limited the power of the king and established certain legal rights

• B) It was the first written constitution in the world

• C) It established the first democratic government

• D) It was a peace treaty between England and France

Which of the following best explains the term 'Renaissance'?

• A) A period of renewed interest in art and learning in Europe

• B) A time of great religious upheaval

• C) The era of the Industrial Revolution

• D) The age of exploration and discovery